Rian Johnson may direct "Star Wars 8"
23 Jun – Even though "Star Wars: Episode VII" is still in production, rumour has it that Disney and Lucasfilm studios are already making preparations for the film sequel "Star Wars: Epidsode VIII" and the studios have tapped "Looper" writer-director, Rian Johnson to write and direct the next "Star Wars" film.
According to Variety, Disney and Lucasfilm are making a deal with 40-year-old Johnson to write and direct the sequel for the new upcoming "Star Wars' trilogy. Hollywood Reporter added that he might even be writing a treatment for "Episode XI"
Johnson is famous for his ground-breaking film "Looper" which grossed over USD176 million worldwide. However he is also known for his directorial debut, "Brick" which won the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision at the 2005 Sundance Festival.
Currently in development, "Star Wars: Episode VII" is directed by J.J. Abrams and is set for worldwide release on 28 December 2015.
"Episode VII" features the original cast from the first installment of "Star Wars" trilogy Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill alongside new additions of cast such as John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong'o and Max von Sydow.
In the meantime, if the studio manages to seal the deal with Johnson, then "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be set for release in 2017.
